Golden Crispy Chicken Empanadas Recipe: A Homemade Fiesta

Crispy, golden chicken empanadas dance with flavor, promising a delightful culinary adventure.

Pastry pockets burst with savory ingredients that tell a story of comfort and tradition.

Memories of warm kitchens and shared meals emerge with each carefully crafted bite.

Spices weave magic through tender meat and flaky crust, creating an irresistible harmony.

Home cooks can master this simple yet impressive dish with just a few smart techniques.

Your taste buds will thank you for exploring these delectable parcels of pure deliciousness.

Serve these empanadas and watch smiles light up around the table.

FAQs

• What ingredients make the chicken filling flavorful?

The combination of cumin, paprika, chili powder, olives, and spices creates a rich and complex taste profile that gives the empanadas their authentic South American flavor.

• Can I use different meats in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute chicken with ground beef, shredded pork, or even vegetarian alternatives like black beans or lentils while maintaining similar seasoning.

• How do I prevent the empanadas from leaking during baking?

Ensure the edges are tightly sealed by crimping with a fork and avoid overfilling the dough circles, which can cause filling to escape during cooking.

Why Chicken Empanadas Deserve A Spot Tonight

• Craft with Ease: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this soup a breeze to prepare, perfect for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Comfort in a Bowl: Loaded with hearty potatoes, nutritious broccoli, and rich cheese, this soup delivers ultimate comfort and satisfaction.
• Customize Your Delight: Flexible recipe allows adding personal touches like cream cheese, nutmeg, or sour cream to match your taste preferences.
• Nutrition Packed Meal: Combines vegetables and protein in one delicious dish, offering a balanced and wholesome dining experience that keeps you feeling great.

Chicken Empanadas Ingredient Essentials

• Flour: A fundamental base that provides structure for the empanadas.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dough.
• Baking Powder: Helps create a light and airy texture in the pastry.
• Cold Butter: Ensures a flaky and tender crust when mixed into the dough.
• Egg: Binds the dough ingredients together and adds richness.
• Water: Helps to bring the dough ingredients into a cohesive mixture.

• Chicken: The primary protein that serves as the main component of the empanadas.
• Onions, Garlic: Provide a deep, aromatic flavor base for the filling.
• Bell Pepper, Tomato: Add moisture, color, and fresh vegetable notes to the mixture.
• Olives: Contribute a briny and tangy element to the filling.
• Chicken Broth, Tomato Paste: Create a rich and savory sauce for the chicken.

• Cumin, Paprika, Chili Powder: Deliver warm, smoky, and slightly spicy flavor profiles.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing the overall taste.
• Cilantro, Parsley: Fresh herbs that add a bright, clean finish to the dish.
• Egg (Optional): Provides additional protein and texture to the filling.

Directions To Perfect Chicken Empanadas Every Time

Step 1: Mix Dough Magic

Create a light, flaky dough by combining flour, salt, and baking powder in a mixing bowl. Gently cut cold butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Introduce an egg and water, blending until a smooth dough forms. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator for half an hour, allowing the flavors to meld and the texture to become perfect.

• Flour
• Salt
• Baking powder
• Cold butter
• Egg
• Water

Step 2: Develop Flavor-Packed Filling

• Onions
• Garlic
• Bell pepper
• Tomato

• Cumin
• Paprika
• Chili powder
• Olives
• Salt
• Pepper

Pour in chicken broth and tomato paste, stirring to combine.

Let the mixture simmer and develop rich flavors for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and allow the filling to cool completely.

Step 3: Shape Empanada Pockets

Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface. Cut the dough into circular shapes.

Spoon the cooled chicken filling onto each circle. If desired, add chopped hard-boiled egg for extra richness.

Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape. Seal the edges by pressing firmly with a fork, creating a beautiful crimped border.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Brush the empanadas with an egg wash to create a gorgeous golden sheen. Place them on a baking sheet and slide into a preheated oven.

Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the exterior turns a beautiful golden brown and becomes wonderfully crispy.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Transfer the hot empanadas to a serving platter.

Sprinkle with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley for a burst of fresh flavor. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy the crispy exterior and savory filling.

Handy Hints For Chicken Empanadas Kitchen Wins

• Keep butter ice-cold when making dough for flakier, more tender empanadas that melt in your mouth.
• Drain excess liquid from chicken filling to prevent soggy pastry and ensure crisp, golden-brown edges.
• Experiment with different protein options like ground beef, shredded pork, or vegetarian alternatives for diverse flavor profiles.
• Seal empanada edges completely using a fork or crimping technique to lock in delicious filling and prevent leaks during baking.
• Store leftover empanadas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, reheating in the oven to maintain crispiness.

Fun Twists For Classic Chicken Empanadas

• Spicy Jalapeño Empanadas: Replace bell peppers with diced jalapeños and add extra chili powder for a fiery kick.
• Cheese-Stuffed Chicken Empanadas: Mix shredded cheese into the chicken filling and sprinkle more on top before baking.
• Mediterranean Herb Empanadas: Incorporate fresh oregano, thyme, and crumbled feta cheese into the chicken mixture for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
• Smoky Chipotle Chicken Empanadas: Swap chili powder with chipotle peppers in adobo sauce and add a touch of smoked paprika for a deep, smoky taste.

What Goes With Chicken Empanadas On The Side

• Arrange empanadas on a colorful platter with different dipping sauces like salsa verde, chipotle mayo, and tangy lime crema. Scatter fresh herbs and wedges of lime around the edges for a vibrant presentation that screams festive gathering.
• Pack empanadas in a sturdy container for outdoor adventures. Wrap individually in parchment paper for easy grab-and-go snacking during beach trips, hiking, or park picnics. They stay delicious at room temperature and make an awesome lunch alternative.

Chicken Empanadas Storage You’ll Want To Know

• Store leftover chicken empanadas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure they cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation.
• Wrap individual empanadas tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze uncooked or baked empanadas for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Warm refrigerated empanadas in a preheated oven at 350F (175C) for 10-15 minutes to restore crispiness. For frozen empanadas, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Chicken Empanadas Recipe

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4.8 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Mexican chicken empanadas deliver a crispy pastry packed with savory spiced meat and robust flavors. Flaky dough envelops tender chicken, promising a delightful culinary journey you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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• 1 egg
• 2 1/2 cups (300 g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter (cold, cubed)
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) cold water (adjust as needed)

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Instructions

1. Craft a tender, pliable dough by combining flour, salt, and baking powder. Incorporate chilled butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Introduce egg and water, kneading gently until a cohesive dough emerges. Encase in plastic wrap and chill for half an hour to relax the gluten.
2. Awaken the filling’s flavors by sizzling olive oil in a skillet. Sauté diced onions, minced garlic, and chopped bell peppers until translucent. Introduce shredded chicken and spice blend of cumin, paprika, and chili powder. Fold in briny olives, season with salt and pepper. Splash chicken broth and tomato paste, simmering for 5 minutes until the mixture thickens and intensifies. Allow the filling to cool completely.
3. Transform the chilled dough by rolling it into thin rounds. Position a generous spoonful of chicken mixture in the center of each circle. Optionally, sprinkle chopped hard-boiled egg for extra richness. Fold the dough over, creating a half-moon shape. Seal the edges meticulously, crimping with fork tines to ensure a tight closure.
4. Preheat the oven to 375F (190C). Lavish the empanadas with a glossy egg wash, which will create a golden, crisp exterior. Arrange on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes until the pastry turns a deep, burnished amber.
5. Present the empanadas piping hot, garnished with fresh, vibrant cilantro or parsley to brighten the rich, savory flavors.

Notes

• Use cold, cubed butter for a flaky, tender dough that creates distinct layers in your empanadas.
• Let the chicken mixture cool completely to prevent soggy dough and ensure a crisp, golden crust.
• Swap chicken with black beans or tofu for vegetarian options, and use gluten-free flour for a celiac-friendly version.
• Prepare and freeze uncooked empanadas for up to a month, baking directly from frozen with slightly extended cooking time.

• Prep Time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Latin American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 122
• Sugar: 0.1 g
• Sodium: 105 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg